In his address, the speaker Prof. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy aptly explained the four greatest ideas in physics: relativity, quantum mechanics, electro-weak unification and the string theory. These ideas had changed the very face of twentieth century physics and taken mankind into more exciting nooks and corners of the known and the unknown universes. The content of the lecture was aimed for the lay masses, and therefore commanded a lot of eager interest from people of all backgrounds. The lecture was followed by an active question and answer session, lasting another thirty minutes.

Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore

Abstract:

Nanotechnology is design, fabrication and application of nanostructures or nanoparticles, and the fundamental understanding of the relationships between physical properties or phenomena and material dimensions. Nanotechnology is a new field or a new scientific domain, dealing with materials or structures in nanometer scales, typically ranging from sub-nanometers to several hundred nanometers. Nanotechnology also promises the possibility of giving non-conventional properties. Yet another very important aspect of nanotechnology is the miniaturization of current and new instruments, sensors and machines that will greatly impact the world we live in. Examples of possible miniaturization are: biosensors that warn us at the early stage of the onset of disease and preferably at the molecular level and target specific drugs that automatically attack the diseased cells on site, nanorobots that can repair internal damage and remove chemical toxins in human bodies, and nanoscaled electronics that constantly monitor our local environment. Synthesis and processing of nanostructures and nanoparticles are the essential aspect of nanotechnology. Studies on new physical properties and applications of nanostructures and nanoparticles are possible only when these materials are made available with desired size, morphology, crystal structure and chemical composition. The research on nanotechnology is evolving and expanding very rapidly. This workshop will focus primarily on synthesis of inorganic materials. The aim is to summarize the fundamentals and established techniques of synthesis and processing of inorganic nanostructures and nanoparticles so as to provide the audience with a systematic and coherent picture about synthesis and processing of nanomaterials. In addition, a small part of the talk will be devoted to characterization, properties and applications of nanomaterials and nanostructures. This presentation would serve as a general introduction to people just entering the field, and also for experts seeking for information in other subfields.

Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore

Abstract:

The development of Nanotechnology has enabled the possibilities to fabricate devices and structures at nanoscale (on the order of few nm). The properties of such nanostructures cannot be described by macroscopic physical models like drift-diffusion equations. And that is where the fundamental constants of nature (e.g. charge of an electron, Planck's constant, spin of an electron, etc) come into play. The purpose of this seminar is to describe how these fundamental constants can be connected with the transport phenomenon at nanoscale and how we can come up with a formalism that can describe the transport phenomenon in these nanostructures in terms of the atomistic theory of matter. We will start with a simple one level model to describe transport through individual molecular levels and then extend our discussion to transport through quantum wires using Nonequilibirum Green's Function (NEGF) methodology. Then we will discuss how to include interactions in our formalism which will connect this formalism to Ohm's Law.

Since the fabrication of transistor and IC's, nanotechnology is bringing yet another revolution in science and technology. This revolution bridges over different disciplines such as chemistry, physics and biology. The present talk is divided into two parts: the first one will present an overview of nanotechnology and the second part will include a discussion of the growth of nano crystals/structures using Buffer Layer Assisted technique.

Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore

Abstract:

Stars are the fundamental building block of galaxies, and are essential for the origin and the continued existence of life in the universe. How and where do these stars form? We will try to sneak a peek at some of the maternity wards for stars, giant clouds of hydrogen gas, located in nearby spiral galaxies.

Resource People:

Speaker

Dr. Salman Hameed

University of Masachusetts at Amherst and Smith College, USA

Expert

Dr. Khalil Qureshi (H.I., S.I.)

Director Safety and Engineering, LUMS School of Science and Engineering

Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore

Abstract:

This seminar will introduce the basics of nanotechnology. Alongwith the fundamentals, it will overview current research trends and the underlying problems in nanotechnology. Focus will be on ceramic nano-particles, such as their synthesis routes (including thermal hydrolysis, hydrothermal processes and solid state reaction). Some applications of nano-ceramics will also be mentioned.

Resource People:

Speaker

Umair Manzoor

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, South Korea.

Electrical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore

Abstract:

Quantum mechanics has changed the way we interact with nature. It has also shaped our understandings of our conception of information. In this talk, I shall highlight the differences between classical and quantum information processing. I shall explore some counter-intuitive phenomena like entanglement, superposition and entanglement. I shall also explain how simple quantum algorithms work and can be phycially implemented using optical systems.

Resource People:

Speaker

Muhammad Sabieh Anwar

Centre for Quantum Computation, Physics Department, Oxford University

Chair

Dr. Noor Sheikh

Chairman of Electrical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

Electrical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore

Abstract:

Nanotechnology, the ability to work at the atomic and molecular level, atom by atom to create materials and structures with new capabilities, will fundamentally change electronics, computers, medicine, biotechnology, and many other industries. The current research in this area is meant to explore the science of nanostructures and new materials, to develop the enabling technology for producing new classes of electronic and biological devices, and to educate the scientists and engineers who will carry this vision forward. This talk is about the prospects of Nanotechnology and the challenges in this emerging field. It is targeted to undergraduate students in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The complexity of the topic would be minimal and its level would be elementary. It would span discussion on Carbon Nanotubes, Molecular Electronics, Nano-Electromechanical Systems, Ultrathin (1.7-7nm) oxides and nitrided oxides for CMOS applications and Noise Spectroscopy.

Resource People:

Speaker

Hasan Raza

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University WL, USA

Chair

Dr. Noor Sheikh

Chairman of Electrical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore